What To Make With Acorn Squash

You can make a lot of delicious things with acorn squash, and once you know your options, this humble winter squash becomes a regular in your kitchen.
 
Acorn squash is that small, ridged, dark-green squash you see piled up at the farmers market every fall.
 
It has sweet, yellowish-orange flesh that turns creamy and tender when cooked.
 
So if you’ve been wondering what to make with acorn squash, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best things to make with acorn squash, from simple weeknight sides to cozy soups and even sweet treats.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

What to Make With Acorn Squash: The Classics

When people ask what to make with acorn squash, roasting is usually the first answer that comes to mind.
 
And for good reason.
 
Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and gives the flesh a lovely caramelized edge.
 
Here are some classic ideas to start with.
 

1. Simple Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash is probably the easiest thing to make with acorn squash.
 
Just cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, brush the flesh with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
 
Roast it cut-side down at 400°F for about 40 minutes until it’s fork-tender.
 
You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
 

2. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed acorn squash is a showstopper that looks fancy but is actually pretty simple.
 
Roast your halves first, then fill them with anything from sausage and rice to quinoa and veggies.
 
Top with cheese and pop them back in the oven until everything is warm and melty.
 
This is a great one to make with acorn squash when you want a full meal in one little bowl.
 

3. Acorn Squash Soup

Acorn squash soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings.
 
Roast the squash first, then scoop out the flesh and blend it with onions, garlic, and broth.
 
A splash of cream or coconut milk makes it even silkier.
 
If you’re not sure what to make with acorn squash on a cold night, this is it.
 

More Creative Things to Make With Acorn Squash

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there’s plenty more you can make with acorn squash.
 
This squash is versatile enough to work in salads, pastas, and even breakfast dishes.
 
Here are some fun ideas to try.
 

1. Acorn Squash Salad

Roasted acorn squash cubes are amazing tossed into a salad.
 
Pair them with baby spinach, goat cheese, pecans, and a maple vinaigrette.
 
The sweet, tender squash balances the tangy cheese and crunchy nuts beautifully.
 
This is a great thing to make with acorn squash when you want something light but satisfying.
 

2. Acorn Squash Pasta

You can also make a rich, creamy pasta sauce with acorn squash.
 
Roast the squash, mash it, and stir it into a pan with garlic, sage, and a little cream.
 
Toss it with pasta and finish with parmesan.
 
It’s a cozy, restaurant-quality dish you can make with acorn squash right at home.
 

3. Acorn Squash Breakfast Hash

Diced acorn squash works great in a breakfast hash.
 
Roast the cubes first, then sauté them with onions, peppers, and sausage.
 
Crack a few eggs on top and bake until set.
 
It’s a hearty way to make acorn squash part of your morning routine.
 

4. Acorn Squash Muffins or Bread

Yes, you can even bake with acorn squash.
 
Mashed acorn squash adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to muffins and quick breads.
 
It works a lot like pumpkin, so you can swap it into your favorite pumpkin recipes.
 
If you love baking, this is a fun thing to make with acorn squash.
 

Tips for Cooking Acorn Squash Perfectly

No matter what you decide to make with acorn squash, a few tips will help you get great results every time.
 
First, cutting acorn squash can be tough, so use a sharp knife and a steady surface.
 
You can also microwave it for two to three minutes to soften it before cutting.
 
Second, always scoop out the seeds and stringy bits before cooking.
 
And don’t toss the seeds.
 
You can roast them just like pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack.
 
Third, acorn squash pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage.
 
It also loves brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter.
 
So keep those on hand when you make acorn squash.
 
Finally, store uncut acorn squash in a cool, dry spot for weeks.
 
Once cooked, keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days.
 

So, What to Make With Acorn Squash?

You can make so many wonderful dishes with acorn squash, from simple roasted halves to creamy soups, hearty salads, and even baked goods.
 
The options really are endless once you start cooking with it.
 
Whether you roast it, stuff it, blend it, or bake it, acorn squash is a sweet, versatile ingredient worth keeping in your kitchen.
 
Hope this post has helped you with ideas for what to make with acorn squash, and that you now feel ready to grab one at the store and give these recipes a try.